HAGEN’S PHOTOGRAPH

Greymouth Evening Star, 30 April 1937, Page 2

HAGEN’S PHOTOGRAPH

IX ItANGOOX TEMPLE

SYDNEY. April 20. A photograph of Walter Magen, taken at St. Andrews' sifter he won the British Open Golf Championship and used by a native of Burma as an offering to Buddha, was one of the surprising discoveries made by J. 11. Kirkwood when he made an inspection of a temple in Rangoon several years ago. Kirkwood tried to buy the offering, but did not possess sullicienl knowledge of the language to make the purchase. In his earlier days, Kirkwood said he would have taken it, but he was not such a speedy runner now, and had to leave without the photograph. This was one of the experiences related by Kirkwood at a dinner given to Hagen and himself by the New South Wales Professional Golfers’ Association at the private diningroom, AVynyard station, last night. There was

an excellent attendance of members, who enjoyed the interesting remarks made by the touring players. Kirkwood said that his first exhibition realised £2. Later he received as much as £lOO for an exhibition, and in South Africa received £1 a minute for a lecture. But after the present tour, unsuccessful financially, he was back to where he had started. Hagen spoke interestingly of his carlv days. He said he had hoped to play in an American championship, hut’during a practice round beat his own employer so badly that he was sent back to the shop. His ideas oi. dress were vague in those days, and when he did play' he wore a red and green silk shirt, white soled shoes, and a tartan muffler. Everyone mistook him for a Scottish professional. Hagen mentioned that he had been informed that he would again captain the American Ryder Cup team. He was hoping that the team would secure its first win in Great Britain. Neither national had yet won a game in the ther’s country.